Plants - Perennials

The language of flowers

HOW TO MAKE A TUSSIE MUSSIEThere is a tussie-mussie for every occasion, such as an engagement or a bridal shower: pink rose (romance), ivy (wedded love), violet (faithfulness), apple mint (virtue).

Select stems that are 20 to 25 centimetres long. Remove their lower foliage and stand them in a jar of tepid water. If one flower is central to the message (such as a pink rose, meaning romance), place it prominently in the middle of the bouquet. If the central message is represented by a small blossom, such as a violet, you may use a cluster of several violets. Surround the central flower (or cluster of flowers) with blossoms or leaves representing additional sentiments. Bind each layer of flowers encircling the centre with raffia. Small tussie-mussies may be bound only once, or each time the bouquet is encircled with additional flowers. Cut all the stems off evenly at the same length. For a traditional finish, use a paper lace doily to make a frill or holder for the tussie-mussie, pulling stems through. Keep the tussie-mussie fresh by standing it in a small vase filled with water.

THE MEDIUM'S THE MESSAGEPerhaps it's time to revive the Victorian language of flowers as a lovely device-far more pleasant than e-mail-for communicating 21st-century sentiments. The best flower messages are composed in direct and emphatic terms to deliver high voltage statements of truth, love, joy and sometimes criticism or rejection. Although a beautiful bouquet is always desirable, the message is foremost. You can plant entire messages right in your garden beds, or at least grow the flowers that compose them to make up your own meaningful bouquets. Here are some fanciful combinations to get you started.